Fan Belt
Problems
On many occasions, soon after installing a new fan belt,
the vehicle throws the belt off or shreds the outer edges. Here are a few of the causes of
this type of problem.
On V-belt systems, worn pulleys, improper pulley alignment,
or damaged pulleys are usually the cause of frayed or broken belts. V-pulleys require the
pulley to have smooth, machined surfaces to ensure good belt to pulley contact that will
prevent belt slippage.
Improper alignment will cause belts to climb and jump off
the pulleys. Pulleys can be damaged by rocks or improper installation, causing knife edges
to be formed, which will cut the sides of a fan belt when passing over this damaged area.
Serpentine belts systems have developed a whole new set of
problems for the technician. Idler pulley or alternator bearing failure is a major cause
of new fan belts being destroyed soon after installation. Usually the belt has burnt areas
and the belt grooves have a sooty material in them.
When the sides of a serpentine belt become frayed, or lose
a groove or two of belt material, the cause is probably a worn idler pulley. Flat idler
and tensioner pulleys wear in the center, resulting in the sides of the pulley become
raised. It is this raised portion of the pulley that causes damage to the sides of the
belt.
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